Which place is cheaper, Columbus or Fort Lauderdale?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Columbus for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
Jump to 
Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Columbus?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Columbus. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Fort Lauderdale or Columbus?
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is located on the Atlantic coast of Florida, not far from Miami, and is famous for its beaches and boating culture. An elaborate system of canals runs through the city, adding to the charm and coastal lifestyle. Plenty of restaurants, shops, watersports, and other things to do can be found here in addition to the beautiful beaches. The city is family-friendly and also caters to older travelers as well as younger generations. While it's not an inexpensive place to visit, the prices are on par with other cities in southeastern Florida. The beach is lined with high-rise condos and hotels that tend to be expensive, while a few blocks back from the shore you'll find plenty of nice houses along with shops, restaurants, and fun activities for all ages. And since Fort Lauderdale is part of the Miami metro area, you can easily get to all of the other beach areas, cities, and activities in the nearby metropolitan areas as well.
Columbus
The capital city of Ohio, Columbus sits at the meeting point of America's Rust Belt, Bible Belt, Appalachia, and the Plains. It is also home of Ohio State University, which is a major financial and economic force in the city. While not always famous for it's sights and attractions, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by what they find here.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFort Lauderdale $182Columbus $158
The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $182, while the average daily cost in Columbus is $158. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fort Lauderdale and Columbus in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFort Lauderdale $96Columbus $72
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFort Lauderdale $192Columbus $144
Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Columbus
Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale or Columbus? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices and Columbus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fort Lauderdale $51Columbus $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:
- Transfer: FLL Airport to Fort Lauderdale Area Vice Versa: $80
- Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Hotel or Port: $199
- Transfer Private Vehicle from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) -City: $40
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Car Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)-City: $80
- Private Transfer in Fort Lauderdale (FLL & FXE) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $59
- Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Miami : $165
- Private Transfer To/From Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port : $80
- Port Everglades to Miami Airport (MIA) Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Port Everglades to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer : $40
- Port Everglades Private Transfer from Las Olas Beach Area: $60
- Miami Airport and Seaport Private Transfer (up to 14 passengers): $54
- Fort Lauderdale SUV One Way Transfer: $135
Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Columbus?
Prices for flights to both Columbus and Fort Lauderdale change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayFort Lauderdale $49Columbus $49
Typical Food prices in Fort Lauderdale
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:
-
Quick Lunch$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.
- Hollywood Florida Walking Food Tour : $89
- Craft Food Tour in Fort Lauderdale: $99
- Craft Food Tour in Fort Lauderdale Beach: $109
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fort Lauderdale $15Columbus $46
Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale
Here are a few actual costs in Fort Lauderdale for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Ghosts Tour in Florida Lauderdale : $30
- 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale (arrive 30 minutes early): $25
- 2 Hours Electric Bike Experience on Ft Lauderdale: $40
- 60 min Guided Electric Bike Tour of Fort Lauderdale.: $59
- 90 min Guided Electric Bike Tours of Greater Fort Lauderdale: $79
- 90-Minute Parasailing Adventure in Fort Lauderdale : $85
- 90-Minute Snorkel & Seabob Underwater Guided Reef Tour in Fort Lauderdale: $150
- Air Boat Tour of Palm Beach in The Swamp Monster: $150
- Atlantic Ocean Snorkeling Experience: $79
- BEST Miami, Key West and Fort Lauderdale 4-Day Tour from Miami : $790
- Carrie B Venice of America Fort Lauderdale Sightseeing Tours: $30
- Champagne Sunset Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale: $85
Tours and Activities in Columbus
For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $29
- 1-Day Columbus Attractions Pass Ticket : $32
- 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $39
- The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $40
- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- 3-Day Columbus Attractions Admission Ticket: $45
- Private Downtown Columbus Tour Up to 3 Passengers: $399
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFort Lauderdale $33Columbus $20
Typical Alcohol prices in Fort Lauderdale
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:
-
Beer$7.30
Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:
- Pedibus Pub Crawl in Fort Lauderdale: $59
- Party Bike Bar Crawl: $59
When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Columbus, we can see that Fort Lauderdale is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Columbus?
Columbus is bigger, and its population is about 4.3 times larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the population of Fort Lauderdale vs. Columbus, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale or Columbus?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Columbus in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Columbus. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year.
Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Columbus in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Columbus fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbus. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Columbus. Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in July than Columbus. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyFort Lauderdale 83°F (28°C)Columbus 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Columbus in the Autumn?
Both Columbus and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Columbus averages at about 57°F (14°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Columbus. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFort Lauderdale 78°F (26°C)Columbus 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Columbus in the Winter?
Both Columbus and Fort Lauderdale during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Columbus can be very cold during winter. In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun.
Fort Lauderdale usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Columbus. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFort Lauderdale 67°F (20°C)Columbus 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Columbus in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Columbus. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Columbus in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbus. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilFort Lauderdale 75°F (24°C)Columbus 54°F (12°C)
Typical Weather for Columbus and Fort Lauderdale
| Fort Lauderdale | Columbus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Feb | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| May | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) | 65°F (18°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) |
| Aug | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Sep | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Nov | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
Related Articles for Fort Lauderdale
Related Articles for Columbus
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
More City Comparisons
Washington vs. Fort LauderdaleWashington vs. Columbus
Clearwater vs. Fort Lauderdale
Clearwater vs. Columbus
Fort Lauderdale vs. Gainesville
Fort Lauderdale vs. Jacksonville
Fort Lauderdale vs. Miami
Fort Lauderdale vs. Orlando
Fort Lauderdale vs. Saint Petersburg
Fort Lauderdale vs. Tallahassee
Fort Lauderdale vs. Tampa
Fort Lauderdale vs. Atlanta
Fort Lauderdale vs. Savannah
Fort Lauderdale vs. New Orleans
Fort Lauderdale vs. Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale vs. Kansas City
Fort Lauderdale vs. Saint Louis
Fort Lauderdale vs. Asheville
Fort Lauderdale vs. Charlotte
Fort Lauderdale vs. Durham
Fort Lauderdale vs. Greensboro
Fort Lauderdale vs. Raleigh
Fort Lauderdale vs. Winston-Salem
Fort Lauderdale vs. Cincinnati
Fort Lauderdale vs. Dayton
Fort Lauderdale vs. Philadelphia
Fort Lauderdale vs. Charleston
Fort Lauderdale vs. Columbia
Pin This Page
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.